Hyundai launched the third-gen i20 in November 2020 with a choice of three engine options. it’s the sole premium hatchback beside the Tata Altroz to be offered with a diesel . Both the new i20 and therefore the Altroz are offered with a 1.5-litre diesel that develops 100PS/240Nm and 90PS/200Nm respectively. We’ve tested both these hatchbacks and recorded their performance to seek out out how they compare in world conditions:
| New Hyundai i20 | Tata Altro | |
| Engine | 1.5-litre | 1.5-litre |
| Power | 100PS | 90PS |
| Torque | 240Nm | 200Nm |
| Transmission | 6-speed MT | 5-speed MT |
While both the hatchbacks have diesel engines of an equivalent capacity, it’s the new i20 that produces more power and torque. Both models are offered only with a manual gearbox but the i20 has a foothold as Hyundai has equipped it with a 6-speed manual transmission option as against the 5-speed MT unit seen on the Altroz. So, does the i20 have a plus within the real-world too?
Performance Comparison
Acceleration and Roll-on Tests:
| 0-100kmph | 30-80kmph (3rd gear) | 40-100kmph (4th gear) | |
| Hyundai i20 | 10.76s | 7.81s | 14.07s |
| Tata Altroz | 12.90s | 8.54s | 14.53s |
The new i20 with its more powerful and torquier engine is that the quicker of the 2 , completing the 0-100kmph sprint in under 11 seconds. When in-gear acceleration is taken into account , the i20 once more comes out on the highest , albeit by small margins. It bettered the Altroz by 0.73s and 0.46s within the acceleration tests for 30-80kmph in 3rd gear and 40-100kmph in 4th gear respectively.
Braking Test:
| 100-0kmph | 80-0kmph | |
| Hyundai i20 | 39.52m | 24.31m |
| Tata Altroz | 43.21m | 27.83m |
When coming to a stop from 100kmph, the Hyundai i20 stops almost 4 metres before the Tata Altroz. Even within the 80-0kmph braking test, it’s the new i20 that takes the lead, stopping 3.5 metres before the Altroz.
Verdict
Although the Tata Altroz diesel may be a good premium hatchback,Hyundai’s i20 has an whip hand when it involves engine output, acceleration and braking tests. However, it’s also the pricier model of the 2 as its top-spec variant commands a premium of Rs 1.80 lakh over the corresponding variant of the Tata Altroz. Hyundai has priced the new i20 between Rs 6.79 lakh and Rs 11.32 lakh while the Tata Altroz retails form Rs 5.44 lakh to Rs 8.95 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi).